What to look out for prior to the session:
When looking for a professional photographer, first have a look around and see whose photographer’s portfolio and style you like the best. Have a look around their site for prices, what is included in your session, frequently asked questions, and of cause for the style of images that are displayed on the website.
Once you are happy with everything you have seen and want to go ahead with booking your session, give your chosen photographer a call to see if and when they have a free booking slot available for you.
Be careful when you are calling the number from an advertisement. On several occasions we had to report inappropriate advertisements that were claiming to be us and were displaying our imagery, but had no association with us whatsoever. So, always call a number from the website and not from the advertisement you just read.
Also, be careful, when booking a session with a make-over studio. They usually have professional sales teams working for them making cold calls and hard sales. Many claim that you have won a free photo shoot, with free make up. Then charge you just a nominal fee (which many claim will be refunded). Once you went their conveyer belt and had a photography session, the next step is that an experienced sales person will try and sell you all the images for thousands of pounds, charging around £70 for each image taken.
One more thing – If you are just starting in modelling, it is very important prior to the shoot to visit an agent. See what they say and if they like you.
Most agencies will accept you if they like you without a professional photography session. All they need is a snap shot of you that they usually take there and then. After they sign you, they will send you around to different photographers for test shoots – which will help you to build your portfolio.
We therefore, advise you to speak to your agent prior to the shoot! This is not a discouragement – we work with agents in the modelling industry who already have particular jobs in mind for their clients. However, they are not able to put the girls/boys forward for the shoots without a portfolio. They therefore send them to us. This is also common but with reputable agents.
However, if it is simply a session for yourself or your loved one, then skip the previous advice and read on about what the photography session usually consists of.
There are several things that you should expect from the Fashion Photography session you book with Headshot London Photography:
First, on the arrival we are going to have a little chat with you about the required style you are after. We will also have a look through some images that you might have brought with you that inspired you to have a photo shoot in the first place… and naturally coffees, teas, water and other soft drinks will be offered
Second, is clothes styling. It is always a good idea to bring a lot of changes with you, i.e. tops, bottoms, shoes, dresses, etc… and a lot of accessories too! We will have a look at all the clothing you brought with you for the shoot and will help you to style them.
Third, is the make-up and hair styling. We have several make-up artists working for us on a freelance basis. All our fashion sessions include their services. Depending on the length of the shoot, several make up applications will be done during the day. Full day portfolio will have at least 3 or 4 different make-up applications and at least 3 or 4 different hairstyles if required.
Fourth, after all the preparations we start with the shoot! We have many sets and backgrounds and ideas, as well as the outside area, which should give a great diversity to the shoot.
Full day portfolio should consist of :
Full day modelling portfolios should include at least 4 different styles:
1. Beauty – to show your skin and hair
2. Underwear/Bikini – to show your body shape
3. Fashion – to show your diversity
4. Commercial – to show your diversity and the character
After the session:
1. All our sessions are all-inclusive, i.e. one package and no other costs involved.
2. After the session we will put all the images taken (minus the edits) in your private online gallery on our website, usually within a day.
3. Email you and your agent the link to your online gallery
4. You can have a look at all the images and then send us the codes of the images you would like us to retouch and also if you would like any of them to be in Colour or Black and White.
5. Half day session usually includes 5 (worth £300) free retouches and full day includes 10 (worth £600). Any additional image retouches are charged at £60 each.
6. All images retouched to the highest quality:
• Spots/Blemishes removed
• Colour adjustments performed
• Nip-tuck (if requested)
7. We usually send you a CD within a week after your session.
8. The CD will include
• Retouched portfolio images
• All the images from the photo shoot
• All images are high resolution and ready for printing
On a final note:
We hope you will find this information useful and it will give you a general idea of what to expect and what to do when getting ready for your fashion photography session.
For more information please visit our Fashion Photographers page.
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